Palm Bay Truck Accident Lawyer

Were you injured in a truck accident in Palm Bay, FL? If so, you may be suffering from physical and emotional injuries. On top of that, medical bills can create financial strain, adding more stress to your life. 

Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law can help you pursue fair compensation for these and other damages. Our Palm Bay truck accident lawyers have 75 years of combined legal experience. We’ve secured tens of millions of dollars for injured people throughout Florida – and we’re prepared to get you the financial recovery you deserve.

Call our law office at 321-677-5964 or contact us online to request a free consultation with a truck accident attorney in Palm Bay, Florida.

How Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law Can Help After a Truck Accident in Palm Bay, FL

How Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law Can Help After a Truck Accident in Palm Bay, FL

Truck accident cases involve complex topics. State and federal regulations, trucking industry standards, and extensive insurance policies can be difficult to understand. Additionally, these claims often involve multiple parties, which can further complicate matters.

You’ll likely need legal representation to navigate this process – and our Palm Bay personal injury lawyers can help. Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law was established in 2020 to advocate for people in their time of need. Our founding attorneys spent years defending large corporations and insurance companies – and now we use that experience to stand up to them.

If you hire our law firm for help after a truck collision in Palm Bay, FL, we’ll: 

  • Thoroughly investigate the truck crash and identify the liable parties 
  • Monitor any external investigations 
  • Gather evidence proving liability and the extent of your damages
  • Negotiate with the trucking company, insurance providers, and others 
  • Protect you from unfair tactics that serve to undervalue your claim
  • Litigate your truck accident case in Brevard County court if we don’t reach a fair settlement

Use our extensive experience and legal skills to your advantage to maximize your compensation. Contact our Palm Bay personal injury attorneys today to discuss your truck accident claim. We offer a free case evaluation with no strings attached. 

How Common Are Truck Accidents in Florida? 

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Florida’s truck accident statistics in recent years are as follows: 

  • 2021: 9,009 crashes, causing 328 fatalities and 4,294 injuries
  • 2022: 9,243 crashes, causing 285 fatalities and 4,464 injuries
  • 2023 (as of 7/31/23): 5,415 crashes, causing 183 fatalities and 2,689 injuries

These numbers indicate that, on average, people are injured or killed in nearly 52% of Florida truck crashes.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Palm Bay, Florida

Even though the trucking industry is regulated by state and federal law – and truckers must carry a specialized commercial driver’s license (CDL) – accidents can still happen. 

Some potential causes of truck crashes in Palm Bay include: 

  • Fatigued driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • FMCSA regulation violations, such as violating hours-of-service rules 
  • Failing to check blind spots
  • Improper turns
  • Dangerous lane changes
  • Reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating and brake-checking
  • Breaking traffic laws, such as right-of-way rules
  • Overloaded commercial trucks
  • Improperly loaded cargo
  • Failure to inspect the truck and/or cargo
  • Inexperienced drivers
  • Negligent hiring practices

Of course, not all 18-wheeler crashes are caused by the truck driver or trucking company. Other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists can engage in negligent behaviors. Additionally, defective vehicle parts – like faulty tires or brakes – can contribute to these wrecks.

What Is My Palm Bay Truck Accident Case Worth?

The value of your Palm Bay truck accident claim will depend on many things, as no two cases are the exact same. Generally, people who sustain severe injuries will receive more compensation. 

However, we’ll consider multiple factors when valuing your Palm Bay personal injury case, including:

  • The types of injuries you’ve suffered and whether they’ve permanently disabled or impaired you 
  • The cost of your medical treatment and other expenses
  • Your lost income and whether you can continue earning the same salary or wages
  • Whether you share any fault for the Palm Bay truck collision 
  • Your pain and suffering, both physical and mental 
  • The parties involved in your truck crash case
  • The insurance coverage available 

It’s crucial to understand the value of your claim before accepting any offer to settle. If you resolve your case too quickly, you may receive much less than you’re entitled to under Florida law.

What Compensation Is Available To Truck Accident Victims in Florida?

Florida truck accident victims may be able to recover compensation for their economic and non-economic losses. 

Economic damages are monetary losses and expenses resulting from the semi-truck accident, such as: 

  • Medical bills for an ER visit, hospital stay, treatment, and other costs
  • Future medical expenses 
  • Lost wages and benefits, such as PTO
  • Diminished earning potential 
  • Property damage
  • Out-of-pocket expenses for travel, childcare, and medications

Non-economic damages don’t have a set dollar quantity; they’re subjective to each victim and could include: 

  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering
  • Inconvenience 
  • Scarring or disfigurement 
  • A reduction in your quality of life

If the defendant(s) in your truck accident case is found to have acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct, a court may award you punitive damages. They serve to punish parties for their wrongful actions. 

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Palm Bay, FL? 

Most truck accident attorneys in Palm Bay and throughout Florida take cases on a contingency fee basis. You won’t owe any retainer or hourly fees, and you will never pay anything out of pocket. Additionally, you’ll only owe attorney’s fees if you receive a settlement or court verdict. 

If your case is successful, attorney’s fees will be deducted directly from your awarded compensation. You and your lawyer will discuss the amount when you agree to work together. 

We can explain this arrangement in more detail during your free, no-obligation case review.

Can I Receive Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for a Truck Accident in Florida? 

It depends. Florida has implemented a modified comparative fault law. Each party who shares responsibility for a truck crash – including the victim – will be assigned a percentage. If your percentage exceeds 50%, you cannot recover compensation from the other party. If you’re 50% or less at fault, your damages will be reduced accordingly.

For example, suppose that a court assigns you 40% of the blame for a semi-truck collision because you were distracted. The at-fault party would only be liable for 60% of your damages. 

Common Truck Accident Injuries

A collision involving a semi-truck can leave devastation in its wake, as these large commercial vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. People in smaller passenger vehicles can sustain catastrophic, life-changing injuries.

At Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law, we help victims who have suffered all kinds of injuries, including: 

  • Spinal cord injuries 
  • Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries 
  • Burns
  • Sprains and other soft tissue injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Back injuries 
  • Whiplash and other neck injuries 
  • Crushing injuries 
  • Internal organ damage
  • Amputations
  • Chest injuries

In the most devastating trucking accidents, someone is killed. If you lost a loved one in a fatal Palm Bay collision, we can help you file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party.

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Truck Accident in Florida?

Negligence is the basis of most Florida truck accident claims. In most cases, the defendant didn’t intend to cause harm, but their careless actions led to an accident. 

The injured party (plaintiff) has the burden of proving the following elements of negligence in a Palm Bay personal injury claim: 

  • The defendant owed them a duty of care, such as the obligation to drive safely and follow traffic rules. 
  • The defendant somehow breached that duty, such as by tailgating. 
  • The defendant’s breach (tailgating) directly caused the accident (e.g., a rear-end collision). 
  • The plaintiff suffered damages, such as medical costs, pain, and lost income. 

The evidence needed to prove negligence in a truck crash case could include: 

  • Surveillance of the accident 
  • Medical records 
  • Eyewitness statements 
  • Truck black box data 
  • Electronic logging device (ELD) data
  • Expert witness opinions
  • Truck maintenance records
  • Accident reports
  • Police reports 

Our personal injury attorneys in Palm Bay will gather the necessary evidence to prove negligence in your case.

How Long Do I Have To File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Truck Accident in Florida?

Most truck accident lawsuits in Florida have a two-year statute of limitations. That means you’ll have two years from the crash date to file your claim, or you could be barred from recovering compensation. 

However, there may be exceptions. You don’t want to miss the deadline that applies to your case. Talk with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Palm Bay to preserve your legal rights.

Contact Our Palm Bay Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you were involved in a large truck accident in Palm Bay, FL, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Contact Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law for the legal support and guidance you need. 

Our team has 75 years of combined experience to use to your advantage. We know what it takes to build a compelling case and win the compensation you deserve. 

Call our Palm Bay truck accident attorneys today to schedule a free initial consultation.